FULL-BACK Greg Goosen has targeted his side’s first-up tackling for major work this week ahead of Saturday’s visit of Leicester Tigers.

The South African was among those dropping off their men in last weekend’s 32-15 loss at Exeter, in an otherwise improved performance.

He said: “There were definitely some positive aspects despite the disappointing result.

“After conceding the opening try we had a very good first half, and we really gave ourselves a chance going into the second 40. All credit to Exeter – they kicked the ball well and put us under some pressure at times.”

Highlighting the areas for improvement, however, the 28-year-old added: “It was poor defence on our part for the tries that we conceded, and we let ourselves down in that department.

“The boys are absolutely committed and we put our bodies on the line, but we just slipped off too many tackles. That first-up tackling will be a big focus of ours during the week building up to Leicester on Saturday, I am sure.

“Also with it being a home game we want to put on a show for our supporters, and to demonstrate to them the progress that we feel we are making despite the result down at Exeter.”

Goosen was one of many Falcons to shine in attack down in Devon, with the former Racing Metro and La Rochelle man finding his feet at full-back after moving over from France’s Top 14.

“I am really enjoying it,” said the ex-Natal Shark, who was a constant counter-attacking threat with ball in hand.

“We have a great group of guys here at Kingston Park, and in terms of winning games it is definitely going to come.

“I have really felt good about being here, and experiencing a different style of rugby. We just need to start finishing off our good work, and with a couple of little things we will be there.

“Moping about after a defeat it is going to do us no good whatsoever, and we at least did show that we can produce some good stuff at times.”

Falcons boss Alan Tait has been among the many impressed by Goosen’s early contribution in a Newcastle shirt.

The head coach said: “Greg is a class player.

“He has quality, and he reads the game really well. Overall he has grown superbly into this team, and we have just got to build on that.”

Leicester arrive at Kingston Park on Saturday without 12 of their star men due to the Rugby World Cup.

Newcastle, too, have players in action in New Zealand, with Scotland prop Euan Murray and Samoa flanker Taiasina both starting against Georgia and Namibia respectively tomorrow.